Resealable closure mechanism having a slider device and methods

ABSTRACT

A slider device having contoured top and sidewalls is disclosed for use with a resealable package. In a first embodiment, the slider device includes an engagement structure for engaging and interlocking first and second closure profiles of a resealable closure mechanism. The engagement structure includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion depending from the top wall of the slider device for engaging first and second closure profiles of a resealable closure mechanism. The first and second protrusions selectively open and close the resealable closure mechanism as the slider device is moved from a first position to a second position. In a second embodiment, a slider device is disclosed having first and second slide channels that engage first and second closure profiles. The first and second slide channels selectively open and close the resealable closure mechanism as the slider device is moved from a first position to a second position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) is claimed to utilityapplication Ser. No. 09/725,977 filed on Nov. 29, 2000, entitled“Resealable Closure Mechanism Having A Slider Device And Methods.” Thecomplete disclosure of application 09/725,977 is incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to closure arrangements forpolymer packages, such as, plastic bags. In particular, this disclosurerelates to resealable closure mechanisms or zipper-type closures forresealable packages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Many packaging applications use resealable containers to store orenclose various types of articles and materials. These packages may beused to store food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies,waste materials, and many other articles. Resealable packages areconvenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initialopening to preserve the enclosed contents. The need to locate a storagecontainer for the unused portion of the products in the package is thusavoided. In some instances, providing products in resealable packagesappreciably enhances the marketability of those products.

[0004] Some types of resealable packages are opened and closed using aslider device. The slider device typically includes a separator orspreader-type structure at one end that opens a closure mechanism,having profiled elements or closure profiles, when the slider devicetravels in a first direction along the mechanism. The sidewalls of theslider device are configured so that the sidewalls engage the closureprofiles and progressively move them into engagement to close theresealable package when the slider device is moved along the closuremechanism in a direction opposite the first direction.

[0005] Improvements in the design and manufacture of closure mechanismsand slider devices are desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In general terms, this disclosure relates to resealable closuremechanisms having slider devices operably mounted thereon forselectively opening or closing the resealable closure mechanism. In oneaspect, a slider device having contoured top and sidewalls is disclosedfor use with a resealable closure mechanism having a first closureprofile and a second closure profile. One embodiment of a slider deviceincludes an engagement structure for engaging and interlocking first andsecond closure profiles of a resealable closure mechanism. For example,the slider device includes a top wall having a first protrusion integralwith the top wall at a first end of the slider device and a secondprotrusion integral with the top wall at a second end of the sliderdevice. The first and second protrusions are constructed and arranged toengage the first and second closure profiles to selectively open andclose the resealable closure mechanism as the slider device is movedfrom a first position to a second position.

[0007] The disclosure also concerns a reclosable zipper arrangement. Inone embodiment described, the zipper arrangement includes a firstclosure profile defining a first closure member having an upper latchingportion and a lower latching portion. The first closure profile alsoincludes a locking finger. The zipper arrangement also includes a secondclosure profile having a second closure member with a catch. A sliderdevice is provided to engage the locking finger such that the lowerlatching portion of the first catch interlocks with the second catch ofthe second closure member when said slider device is selectively movedalong the resealable closure mechanism in a first direction.

[0008] In a second embodiment, a second slider device includes a topwall, a first and second sidewall depending from the top wall. The firstand second sidewalls define slide channels that receive and engage thefirst and second closure profiles to selectively open and close aresealable closure mechanism as the slider device is moved from a firstposition to a second position.

[0009] A second embodiment of a resealable closure mechanism operablewith the second slider device is also disclosed. In the secondembodiment, the zipper arrangement includes a first closure profiledefining a first closure member having a catch, and a lever or flangemember cantilevered from the first closure profile opposite the firstclosure member. The zipper arrangement also includes a second closureprofile defining a second closure member, and a lever or flange membercantilevered from the second closure profile opposite the second closuremember. The slide channels of the slider device receive and engage theflange members of the first and second closure profiles such that thefirst and second closure members interlock when the slider device ismoved in a first direction and disengage when the slider device is movedin a second direction.

[0010] Methods of using a resealable package are described. Methodsinclude a step of moving a slider device along a mouth a first directionfrom a side seal of the resealable package such that the contoured topand sidewalls of the slider device engage the first and second closureprofiles of the resealable closure mechanism. Packages and sliderdevices as described herein may be usable in this method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a side elevational, schematic view of a flexible,resealable package having a slider device, according to principles ofthis disclosure;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of profiledelements usable with the resealable package of FIG. 1, according toprinciples of this disclosure;

[0013]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, top perspective view of one embodiment ofthe slider device of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 4A is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of one possibleembodiment of the slider device of FIGS. 1 and 3;

[0015]FIG. 4B is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the slider device of FIGS. 1 and 3;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIG. 1taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIG. 1taken along the line B-B of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIG. 1taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1 and being operably mounted on theprofiled elements depicted in FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIG. 1taken along the line B-B of FIG. 1 and being operably mounted on theprofiled elements depicted in FIG. 2;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment ofprofiled elements usable with the resealable package of FIG. 1,according to principles of this disclosure;

[0021]FIG. 10 is an enlarged, top perspective view of a secondembodiment of the slider device of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 11 is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of the sliderdevice of FIG. 10;

[0023]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIGS. 10and 11 taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIGS. 10and 11 taken along the line B-B of FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIGS. 10and 11 taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1 being operably mounted on theprofiled elements depicted in FIG. 9; and

[0026]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIGS. 10and 11 taken along the line B-B of FIG. 1 being operably mounted on theprofiled elements depicted in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Attention is directed to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates an examplepackaging arrangement in the form of a resealable, flexible package 110,for example, a polymeric package such as a plastic bag, having aresealable closure mechanism 114, for example, interlocking profiledelements, constructed in accordance with the principles of thisdisclosure. The flexible package 110 includes first and second opposedpanel sections 116, 118, typically made from a flexible, polymeric,plastic film. With some manufacturing applications, the first and secondpanel sections 116, 118 are heat-sealed together along two side edges120, 122 and meet at a fold line 123 in order to form a three-edgedcontainment section for a product within an interior 124 of the package110. In the embodiment shown, the fold line 123 comprises the bottomedge 125 of the package 110. Alternatively, two separate panel sections116, 118 of plastic film may be used and heat-sealed together along thetwo side edges 120, 122 and at the bottom edge 125. Access is providedto the interior 124 of the package 110 through a mouth 126 at a top edge127 of the package. In the particular embodiment shown, the mouth 126extends the width of the package 110.

[0028] The resealable closure mechanism 114 is illustrated in FIG. 1 atthe mouth 126 of the flexible package 110. In the embodiment shown, theresealable closure mechanism 114 extends the width of the mouth 126.Alternatively, the closure mechanism 114 could be positioned on thepackage 110 at a location different from the mouth 126 of the package110, depending on the application needs for the package 110. Theresealable closure mechanism 114 can be one of a variety of closuremechanisms. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, theresealable closure mechanism 114 is shown in the specific form of azipper-type closure mechanism. By the term “zipper-type closuremechanism,” it is meant a structure having opposite interlocking ormating profiled elements that under the application of pressure willinterlock and close the region between the profiles.

[0029] A slider device 150 is operably mounted on the resealable closuremechanism 114 for selectively opening and closing the resealable closuremechanism 114. The slider device 150 is constructed and arranged tocooperate with the resealable closure mechanism 114. For example, theslider device 150 can have contoured top and sidewalls that engage orinterface with the interlocking or mating profiled elements of theresealable closure mechanism 114 to selectively open or close theflexible package 110. By “engage,” it is meant that the contoured wallsof the slider device 150 apply pressure to interlocking or matingprofiled elements of the resealable closure mechanism 114 that willinterlock and close the region between the profiles. Alternatively, thecontoured walls of the slider device 150 can apply pressure to theinterlocking or mating profiled elements of the resealable closuremechanism 114 to disengage the profiles.

[0030] While many embodiments of slider devices 150 having contoured topand sidewalls for engaging and interfacing with the resealable closuremechanism 114 are contemplated, one particular embodiment will bedescribed in connection with FIGS. 2 through 8. In particular, thezipper-type closure mechanism shown in FIG. 2 is an illustration of oneexample of a closure mechanism 114. The closure mechanism 114 includesan elongated first closure profile 170 and an elongated second closureprofile 188. Typically, the closure profiles 170, 188 are manufacturedseparately from each other.

[0031] Still in reference to FIG. 2, the preferred first closure profile170 depicted includes a sealing flange or bonding strip 186, a basestrip 171, a first closure member 172, a first guidepost 182, and anupper flange 178. The closure member 172 extends from the base strip 171by way of a stem 172 a and is generally projecting from the base strip171. At a free end of the stem 172 a (the tip of the closure member 172)is a hook or catch 174. The hook or catch 174 has an upper latchingportion 175 and a lower latching portion 176. The first closure profile170 also includes a locking finger 180 extending from the upper flange178 of the base strip 171. The locking finger 180 has a distal portion180 a, a proximal portion 180 b, and a neck portion 181. By “distal,” itis meant to refer to the portion of the locking finger 180 farthest fromits point of attachment (the neck portion 181). By “proximal,” it ismeant to refer to the portion of the locking finger 180 closest to thepoint of connection with the upper flange 178. Note that the neckportion 181 is between and bridges the base strip 171 and the distalportion 180 a. In preferred embodiments, the neck portion 181 is taperedor narrows inwardly at taper 181 a between the base strip 171 and thedistal portion 180 a. The taper 181 a helps to provide flexibility tothe locking finger 180. Also, as will be described below, the taper 181a provides a track or groove for slidable engagement with the engagementstructure 162 on the slider device 150.

[0032] The guidepost 182 extends from and is generally projecting fromthe base strip 171. The guidepost 182 aids in holding the closuremechanism 114 closed and in aligning the first closure profile 170 withthe second closure profile 188 for interlocking. The bonding strip 186depends or extends downward from the guidepost 182 and can be attachedto a first panel section, such as the first panel section 116 of thepackage 110 of FIG. 1 at region 135 (FIG. 1). A first shoulder 184 isdefined by the intersection of the base strip 171 and bonding strip 186.In the example illustrated, the bonding strip 186 is spaced a distancelaterally from the base strip 171 to define a corner forming theshoulder 184. The upper flange 178 extends upwardly from the base strip171 and the guidepost 182.

[0033] The preferred second closure profile 188 depicted includes abonding strip 198, a base strip 189, a first closure member 190, and anupper flange 194. The closure member 190 extends from the base strip 189by way of a stem 190 a and is generally projecting from the base strip189. At a free end of the stem 190 a (or tip of the closure member 190)is a hook or catch 192. The lower surface 191 of the closure member 190aids in holding the closure mechanism 114 closed and aids in aligningthe second closure profile 188 with the first closure profile 170 forinterlocking. The bonding strip 198 depends or extends downward from thebase strip 189 and can be attached to a second panel section, such asthe second panel section 118 of the package 110 of FIG. 1. A shoulder196, analogous to the shoulder 184, is formed at the corner of thebonding strip 198 and the base strip 189.

[0034] The first and second closure profiles 170, 188 are designed toengage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism 114.The closure member 172 of the first closure profile 170 extends from thebase strip 171 a first distance. The closure member 190 of the secondclosure profile 188 also extends from the base strip 189 a firstdistance. These first distances that the closure members 170, 188 extendare sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, betweenthe first closure member 172 of the first closure profile 170 and thefirst closure member 190 of the second closure profile 188. Therefore,the catches 174, 192 are allowed to hook or engage each other. Inparticular, the lower latching portion 176 of the catch 174 of the firstclosure member 172 is allowed to hook or engage the catch 192 of thesecond closure profile 188. Furthermore, the closure profiles 170, 188are sealed together at their ends, such as regions 119, 121 of FIG. 1,to further aid in aligning the closure profiles 170, 188 forinterlocking through processes such as ultrasonic crushing.

[0035] The openable sealed closure mechanism 114 is formed by pushingthe locking finger 180 downward into engagement with the upper latchingportion 175 of the first closure member 172 such that the first closuremember 172 interlocks with the second closure member 190. Conversely,the locking finger 180 can be pushed out of engagement with the upperlatching portion 175 of the first closure member 172 such that the firstclosure member 172 disengages from the second closure member 190,thereby, opening the package 110 of FIG. 1. This provides access to thecontents of the package 110 through the mouth 126 (FIG. 1).

[0036] In some applications, the closure profiles 170, 188 are formed bytwo separate extrusions or through two separate openings of a commonextrusion. Typically, the resealable closure mechanism 114 is made ofconventional materials, such as a polymeric, plastic material, forexample, polyethylene or polypropylene. In one example embodiment, theclosure arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2 is manufactured usingconventional extrusion and heat-sealing techniques.

[0037] Attention is again directed to FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, note that thereis a cutout or notch 128 formed in the upper flanges 139, 147 (FIG. 2)of the resealable closure mechanism 114. The notch 128 serves as a“parking place” for a slider device 150 and also facilitates mountingthe slider device 150 onto the resealable package 110 during initialassembly. In addition, the edge 129 closest to the side seal 120 helpsto create a stop member for the slider device 150. The notch 128decreases the tendency for an incomplete interlock between the firstclosure profile 170 and the second closure profile 188.

[0038] Still referring to FIG. 1, the slider device 150 is provided toopen and close the resealable closure mechanism 114. As discussed above,the slider device 150 is constructed and arranged to engage or interfacewith the resealable closure mechanism to selectively open or close theflexible package 110. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a slider device150 is described that is operable with the resealable closure mechanismdescribed in connection with FIG. 2. The slider device 150 isillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 in perspective view and preferablycomprises a one-piece unitary, molded plastic member with no moveableparts that are moveable with respect to one another. In general, theslider device 150 includes a housing 152 for slidably engaging theclosure mechanism 114. The housing 152 is movable between a closedposition of the resealable package 110 when the housing 152 is adjacentthe side edge 120 and an open position of the resealable package 110when the housing 152 is adjacent the side edge 122. FIG. 1 illustratesthe resealable package 110 in an open position. The housing 152 slidesover the resealable closure mechanism 114 relative to the top edge 127of the resealable package 110 to open and close the mouth 126.

[0039] The housing 152 is preferably a multi-sided container configuredfor locking onto or over the resealable closure mechanism 114. In theparticular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 152includes a top wall 154. By the term “top”, it is meant that in theorientation of the slider device 150 shown in FIG. 1, the wall 154 isoriented above remaining portions, such as the sidewalls 158, 159 andthe first and second protrusions 167, 168 described below. It should beunderstood, of course, that if the housing 152 is moved from theorientation shown in FIG. 1, the top wall 154 will not be in a toporientation. The top wall 154 defines a first end 155 and an oppositesecond end 156.

[0040] In reference again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the preferred housing 152shown also includes first and second sidewalls 158, 159. Preferably,each of the first and second sidewalls 158, 159 extends from and iscantilevered from the top wall 154 to form a slide channel 151therebetween. In preferred embodiments, the first and second sidewalls158, 159 are injection molded with the remaining parts of the housing152. In other words, preferably the housing 152 comprises a single,unitary, integral piece of material with no additional materials welded,fastened, or bolted together. As can be viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, thesidewalls 158, 159 can include texturization, such as ribs, 163, 164 tohelp improve gripping and handling by the user.

[0041] The housing 152 includes an engagement structure 162 forinterlocking and/or separating the interlocking or mating profiledelements of the resealable closure mechanism 114. That is, when theresealable closure mechanism 114 is in an open state, the engagementstructure 162 will apply a force to interlock the closure members 170,188. Conversely, when the resealable closure mechanism 114 is in aclosed state such that the closure members 134, 144 are interlocked, theengagement structure 162 will apply a force to open and pull the closuremembers 172, 190 apart from each other.

[0042] While many embodiments of the engagement structure 162 forinterlocking and/or separating the resealable closure mechanism 114 arecontemplated, one particular embodiment will be described in connectionwith FIGS. 3 and 4A. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, theengagement structure 162 includes a first projection, protuberance, orprotrusion 167 and a second projection, protuberance, or protrusion 168for interlocking and/or separating the first and second closure profiles170, 188. Preferably, the first protrusion 167 is provided and isintegral with the first end 155 of the top wall 154 of the slider device150. In the preferred embodiment shown, the first protrusion 167 dependsfrom the top wall 154 and is constructed and arranged to engage thelocking finger 180 of the first closure member 170. As shown in FIG. 5,the first protrusion 167 includes a pair of inclined sidewalls 167 a,167 b joined at a smooth, rounded end 167 c. The first protrusion 167depends from the top wall 154 substantially near the center of the topwall 154 or centered between the sidewalls 158, 159. By “substantiallynear,” it is meant that the first protrusion 167 is located betweenabout 45-55% of the distance between the sidewalls 158, 159.

[0043] Preferably, the second protrusion 168 is provided and is integralwith the second end 156 of the top wall 154 of the slider device 150. Inthe preferred embodiment shown, the second protrusion 168 depends fromthe top wall 154 and is constructed and arranged to engage the lockingfinger 180 substantially near the neck portion 181. As shown in FIG. 6,the second protrusion 168 includes a pair of inclined sidewalls 168 a,168 b joined at a smooth, rounded end 168 c. The second protrusion 167depends from the top wall 154 substantially near a sidewall of theslider device 150 corresponding to the locking finger 180 of theresealable closure mechanism 114. For example, the second protrusion 168depends from the top wall 154 substantially near the sidewall 158 asshown in FIG. 6. By “substantially near,” it is meant that the distanceseparating the sidewall 158 and the second protrusion 167 is no morethan about the width of the second protrusion 167, and preferably nomore than about 50% of the width of the second protrusion. In someembodiments, this is about 0.1-5 mm.

[0044] It should be understood that the engagement structure 162 canhave any configuration suitable for interlocking and/or separating theresealable closure mechanism 114. For example, as illustrated in FIG.4B, the engagement structure 162 can include a single protrusion 169extending from the first end 155 to the second end 156 of the sliderdevice 150. In this embodiment, the protrusion 169 has a varyingprofile. By “varying profile,” it is meant that the engagement structure162 has a non-constant cross-section that varies from the first end 155towards the second end 156 of the slider device 150. For example, theprotrusion 169 in constructed and arranged to engage the locking finger180 at or near the first end 155. Similarly, the protrusion 169 inconstructed and arranged to engage the locking finger 180 substantiallynear the neck portion 181 at or near the second end 156. In so doing,the slider device 150 engages the closure profiles 170, 188 andprogressively moves them out of engagement to open the resealablepackage 110 when the slider device is moved along the closure mechanism114 in a first direction. Similarly, the slider device 150 engages theclosure profiles 170, 188 and progressively moves them into engagementto close the resealable package 110 when the slider device is movedalong the closure mechanism 114 in a direction opposite the firstdirection.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the slider housing 152 has an overalllength from the first end 155 to the second end 156 of at least about0.5 inches (about 13 mm), no greater than about 2 inches (about 51 mm),typically about 0.65-0.75 inches (about 16-19 mm), and in a preferredembodiment about 0.695 inches (about 18 mm). The length of the firstprotrusion 167 extending between the first end 155 and the second end156 is no more than 25% of the length of the slider housing 152, and ispreferably less than 10% of the length of the slider housing 152 asshown in FIG. 4. Similarly, the length of the second protrusion 168extending between the first end 155 and the second end 156 is no morethan 25% of the length of the slider housing 152, and is preferably lessthan 10% of the length of the slider housing 152 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0046] Now referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a cross-sectional view of theslider device 150 of FIG. 1 is shown at the first and second ends 155,156, respectively, operably mounted to the resealable closure mechanism114. As shown in FIG. 7, the first protrusion 167 depends from the topwall 154 at or near the first end 155 (FIG. 3) of the slider device 150.The first protrusion 167 is constructed and arranged to engage thelocking finger 180 substantially at or near the free or distal end 180 aof the locking finger 180. By “engage,” it is meant that the firstprotrusion 167 slidably communicates with and pushes downward on thelocking finger 180 such that the distal end portion 180 a deflectsdownward into engagement with catch 174 of the first closure member 172.Specifically, the first protrusion 167 forces the locking finger 180into engagement with the upper latching portion 174 of the first closuremember 172. Additionally, the first closure member 172 is also deflecteddownward into engagement with the second closure member 190. As aresult, the closure member 172 of the first closure profile 170interlocks with the closure member 190 of the second closure profile188.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 8, the second protrusion 168 depends fromthe top wall 154 at or near the second end 156 (FIG. 3) of the sliderdevice 150. The second protrusion 168 is constructed and arranged toengage the locking finger 180 substantially at or near the neck portion181 of the locking finger 180 or the upper flange 178. By “engage,” itis meant that the second protrusion 168 slidably communicates with andpushes downward on the neck portion 181 (e.g., at taper 181 a) of thelocking finger 180 such that the distal end portion 180 a deflects outof engagement with catch 174 of the first closure member 172.Specifically, the second protrusion 168 forces the locking finger 180 todisengage from the upper latching portion 174 of the first closuremember 172. As a result, the lower latching portion 176 of the firstclosure member 172 disengages from the second closure member, whichallows the first and second closure profiles 170, 188 to be separated.

[0048] Preferably, the housing 152 includes a system for permitting thehousing 152 to slide along the resealable closure mechanism 114 withoutbecoming disengaged from the resealable package 110. In the embodimentillustrated, the system of the slider housing 152 engages or interlockswith certain structure of the resealable closure mechanism 114. Inparticular, the housing 152 has a first and a second hook construction165, 166. The first hook construction 165, preferably extends from thefirst sidewall 163 and the second hook construction 166 extends from thesecond sidewall 164.

[0049] To construct the flexible resealable package 110 with a sliderdevice 150, the package 110 can be formed by either a blown extrusionprocess or by using a preformed roll of film. The film is folded in theform shown in FIG. 1. The resealable closure mechanism 114 can beapplied to the film panel sections 116, 117 by heat-sealing the bondingstrips 132, 142 to the film sections. The notch 128 can be cut into theupper flanges 178, 194. Next, the side seals including the regions 119,121 of ultrasonic crushing can be formed. The housing 152 can then bemounted over the resealable closure mechanism 114 by sliding it onto thenotch 128.

[0050] The housing 152 is pressed onto the resealable closure mechanism114 until the first and second hook constructions 165, 166 snap over theshoulders 184, 196, respectively, of the closure profiles 170, 188,respectively.

[0051] In operation, the slider device 150 is slid relative to theresealable closure mechanism 114 from the closed position adjacent tothe side edge 120 to the open position adjacent to the side edge 122. Asthe slider device 150 is moved from the open position to the closedposition, the first protrusion 167 engages slidably communicates withand pushes downwardly on the locking finger 180 of the first closureprofile 170. Consequently, the distal end portion 180 a deflectsdownward and is biased into engagement with catch 174 of the firstclosure member 172. Specifically, the first protrusion 167 forces thelocking finger 180 into engagement with the upper latching portion 174of the first closure member 172. The first closure member 172 iscorrespondingly deflected downward into engagement with the secondclosure member 190. As a result, the first closure profile 170interlocks with the second closure profile 188.

[0052] As the housing 152 is moved from the closed position to the openposition, the second protrusion 168 slidably communicates with andpushes downward on the neck portion 181 of the locking finger 180 suchthat the distal end portion 180 a deflects out of engagement with thecatch 174 of the first closure member 172. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8, the second protrusion 168 engages the taper 181 a of the lockingfinger 180 to deflect the locking finger 180 out of engagement with theupper latching portion 174 by forcing the upper flange 178 away from thesecond closure profile 188. As a result, the lower latching portion 176of the first closure member 172 disengages from the second closuremember 190 which allows the first and second closure profiles 170, 188to be separated.

[0053]FIGS. 9 through 15 illustrate an alternative embodiment of aslider device having contoured top and sidewalls for engaging orinterfacing with a resealable closure mechanism. In particular, thezipper-type closure mechanism shown in FIG. 9 is an illustration of analternative embodiment of a resealable closure mechanism 114 (FIG. 1)for use with a slider device having contoured top and sidewalls. Theclosure mechanism 200 in FIG. 9 includes an elongated first closureprofile 201 and an elongated second closure profile 213. As discussedabove with respect to the closure mechanism 114, typically, the closureprofiles 201, 213 are manufactured separately from each other.

[0054] Still in reference to FIG. 9, the first closure profile 201includes a sealing flange or bonding strip 215, a base strip 202, afirst closure member 206, a first guidepost 210, and a flange or levermember 204. The closure member 206 extends from the base strip 202 byway of a stem 206 a and is generally projecting from the base strip 202.At a free end of the stem 206 a (the tip of the closure member 206) is ahook or catch 208. The flange or lever member 204 extends from the basestrip 202 opposite the closure member 206. The guidepost 210 extendsfrom and is generally projecting from the base strip 202. The guidepost210 adds rigidity to the lower portion of the first closure profile 201.The bonding strip 215 depends or extends downward from the guidepost 210and can be attached to a first panel section, such as the first panelsection 116 of the package 110 of FIG. 1 at region 135 (FIG. 1). A firstshoulder 212 is defined by the intersection of the base strip 202 andbonding strip 215. In the example illustrated, the bonding strip 215 isspaced a distance laterally from the base strip 202 to define a cornerforming the shoulder 212.

[0055] The preferred second closure profile 213 includes a bonding strip227, a base strip 214, a first guidepost 224, a second guidepost 222,and a second closure member 218. The closure member 218 extends from thebase strip 214 by way of a stem 218 a and is generally projecting fromthe base strip 214. At a free end of the stem 218 a (or tip of theclosure member 218) is a hook or catch 220. A flange or lever member 216extends from the base strip 214 opposite the second closure member 218.The first guidepost 224 extends from the base strip 214 and is generallyprojecting from the base strip 214. The first guidepost 224 addsrigidity to the lower portion of the second closure profile 213. Thesecond guidepost 222 also extends from and is generally projecting fromthe base strip 214. The second guide post 222 aids in holding theclosure mechanism 200 closed and in aligning the first closure profile201 with the second closure profile 213 for interlocking. The bondingstrip 227 depends or extends downward from the base strip 214 and can beattached to a second panel section, such as the second panel section 118of the package 110 of FIG. 1. A shoulder 226, analogous to the shoulder212, is formed at the corner of the bonding strip 227 and the base strip214.

[0056] The first and second closure profiles 210, 213 are designed toengage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism 200.The closure member 218 of the first closure profile 213 extends from thebase strip 214 a first distance. The closure member 218 of the secondclosure profile 213 also extends from the base strip 214 a firstdistance. These first distances that the closure members 201, 213 extendare sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, betweenthe first closure member 206 of the first closure profile 201 and thesecond closure member 218 of the second closure profile 213. Therefore,the catches 208, 220 are allowed to hook or engage each other.Furthermore, as discussed above in connection with resealable closuremechanism 114, the closure profiles 201, 213 are sealed together attheir ends, such as regions 119, 121 of FIG. 1, to further aid inaligning the closure profiles 201, 213 for interlocking throughprocesses such as ultrasonic crushing.

[0057] The first flange member 204 is cantilevered from the firstclosure profile 201 at an angle of about between 20 and 70 degrees,typically between 40 and 50 degrees, and preferably 45 degrees withrespect to the base strip 202. Similarly, the second flange member 216is cantilevered from the second closure profile 213 at an angle of aboutbetween 20 and 70 degrees, typically between 40 and 50 degrees, andpreferably 45 degrees with respect to the base strip 214.

[0058] The openable sealed closure mechanism 200 is formed by pushingthe closure profiles 201, 213 towards one another into engagement. Forexample, the first and second closure profiles 201, 213 can be pushedtowards one another such that the distance between the first and secondclosure profiles 201, 213 is reduced. Similarly, the distance betweenthe first and second bonding strips 215, 227 is also reduced. In sodoing, the first closure member 201 interlocks with the second closuremember 213. As discussed above, the second guide post 222 aids inaligning the first and second closure profiles 210, 213 with oneanother, thereby, facilitating interlocking between the two.

[0059] To disengage the first and second closure profiles 201, 213 fromone another, each of the flange members 204, 216 can be acted on todisengage the first closure profile 201 from the second closure profile213. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the first flangemember 204 of the first closure profile 201 can be pushed downward. Inso doing, the first closure member 206 is forced upwards and out ofengagement with the second closure member 218. Similarly, the secondflange member 216 can be directed upwards, thereby forcing the secondclosure member 218 downward and out of engagement with the first closuremember 218. Once the first and second closure members 206, 218 aredisengaged, the first and second closure profiles 201, 213 can be pulledapart to provide access to the contents of the package 110 through themouth 126 (FIG. 1).

[0060] As with the resealable closure mechanism 114 discussed above, theclosure profiles 201, 213 are formed by two separate extrusions orthrough two separate openings of a common extrusion. Typically, theresealable closure mechanism 200 is made of conventional materials, suchas a polymeric, plastic material, for example, polyethylene orpolypropylene. In one example embodiment, the closure arrangementillustrated in FIG. 9 is manufactured using conventional extrusion andheat-sealing techniques.

[0061]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a slider device having contouredsidewalls that engage or interlock with the first and second closureprofiles 201, 213 to selectively open and close the resealable closuremechanism 200. A preferred slider device 250 is illustrated in FIGS. 10and 11 in perspective view and preferably comprises a one-piece unitary,molded plastic member with no moveable parts that are moveable withrespect to one another. In general, the slider device 250 includes ahousing 252 for slidably engaging the closure mechanism 220. The housing252 is movable between a closed position of the resealable package 110(such as the resealable package shown in FIG. 1) when the housing 252 isadjacent the side edge 120 and an open position of the resealablepackage 110 when the housing 252 is adjacent the side edge 122. Forexample, FIG. 1 illustrates the resealable package 110 in an openposition. The housing 252 slides over the resealable closure mechanism200 relative to the top edge 127 of the resealable package 110 to openand close the mouth 126.

[0062] The housing 252 is preferably a multi-sided container configuredfor engaging or locking onto or over the resealable closure mechanism114. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, thehousing 252 includes a top wall 254. By the term “top”, it is meant thatin the orientation of the slider device 250 shown in FIG. 1, the wall254 is oriented above the remaining portions of the housing 252, such asthe sidewalls 258, 259. It should be understood, of course, that if thehousing 252 is moved from the orientation shown in FIG. 1, the top wall254 will not be in a top orientation. The top wall 254 defines a firstor front end 255 and an opposite second or rear end 256.

[0063] In reference again to FIGS. 10 and 11, the preferred housing 252shown also includes first and second sidewalls 258, 259. Preferably,each of the first and second sidewalls 258, 259 extends from and iscantilevered from the top wall 254 to form a slide channel 251therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the first and secondsidewalls 258, 259 are injection molded with the remaining parts of thehousing 252. In other words, preferably the housing 252 comprises asingle, unitary, integral piece of material with no additional materialswelded, fastened, or bolted together. As with the slider device 150described above, the sidewalls 258, 259 of the slider device 250 caninclude texturization, such as ribs, 263, 264 to help improve grippingand handling by the user.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the first andsecond sidewalls 258, 259 define a slide channel 266, 267 for receivingand engaging the flange or lever members 204, 216 of the resealableclosure mechanism 200. Each of the slide channels 266, 267 define aguide construction for receiving and engaging respective flange members204, 216 of the resealable closure mechanism 200. The slide channel 266defined in the first sidewall 258 extends from the first end 258 a tothe second end 258 b. Similarly, the slide channel 267 defined in thesecond sidewall 259 extends from the first end 259 a to the second end259 b.

[0065]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device 250 takenat its first end 255. At their respective first ends 258 a, 259 a, theslide channels 266, 267 includes first and second contoured innersurfaces 266 a, 267 a projecting or extending into respective slidechannels 266, 267. The first slide channel 266 at or substantially nearthe first end 258 a includes an angling or jutting portion 266 b thatextends from the top wall 259 and is sized and configured to accommodatethe flange or lever members 204 of the first closure profile 201.Similarly, the second slide channel 267 at or substantially near thefirst end 259 a includes an angling or jutting portion 267 b sized andconfigured to accommodate the flange or lever member 216 of the secondclosure profile 213. By “substantially near,” it is meant that theconfiguration of the angling or jutting porting 266 b, 267 b extends nofurther than about 50% of the length of the first slide channel 266 fromthe first ends 258 a, 259 a, preferably about 25% of the length of thefirst slide channel 266 from the first ends 258 a, 259 a. Moreover, by“accommodate,” it is meant that the configuration of the slide channels266, 267 do not engage, deflect, or exert any forces on the flange orlever members 204, 216. Accordingly, when the resealable closuremechanism 200 is positioned at or near the first end 258 a, 259 a of theslide channels 266, 267, the first and second closure profiles 210, 213are allowed to remain in a natural, unbiased configuration as shown inFIG. 9.

[0066]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device 250 takenat its second end 256. The first contoured inner surface 266 a at orsubstantially near its second end 258 b is configured to engage theflange or lever member 204 of the first closure profile 201.Specifically, the angling or jutting portion 266 b is sized andconfigured to engage the flange or lever member 204 of the first closureprofile 201. Similarly, the second contoured inner surface 267 a (FIG.13) at or near its second end 259 b is configured to engage the flangeor lever member 216 of the second closure profile 213. Specifically, theangling or jutting portion 267 b is sized and configured to engage theflange or lever member 216. By “engage,” it is meant that the first andsecond contoured inner surfaces 266 a, 267 a deflect the flange or levermembers 204, 216 such that the closure members 206, 218 disengage.Accordingly, when the resealable closure mechanism 200 is positioned ator near the second end 258 b, 259 b of the slide channels 266, 267, thefirst and second closure profiles 210, 213 disengage from one another.

[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, a cross-sectional view of theslider device 250 is shown at the first and second ends 255, 256 of theslider device 250, respectively, operably mounted on the resealableclosure mechanism 200. FIG. 14 depicts a cross-section of the sliderdevice 250 near the first end 255 of the slider device 250. The firstslide channel 266 defined in the first sidewall 258 receives and engagesthe flange member 204 cantilevered from the first closure profile member201. At the first end 255 of the slider device 250, the first slidechannel 266 has a configuration that accommodates the flange member 204.By “accommodate,” it is meant that the configuration of the first slidechannel 266 does not engage, deflect, or exert any forces on the flangemember 204 of the first closure profile 201. Similarly, at the first end255 of the slider device 250, the second slide channel 267 has aconfiguration that accommodates the flange member 216. Thus, the firstand second closure profiles 210, 213 are allowed to remain in a natural,unbiased configuration as shown in FIG. 7. Accordingly, when the firstand second closure profiles 201, 213 are brought into engagement asshown in FIG. 14, the closure members 206, 218 are biased into aninterlock position.

[0068]FIG. 15 depicts a cross-section of the slider device 250 near thesecond end 256 of the slider device 250. The configuration of the slidechannel 266, 267 engages the flange members 204, 216 of the first andsecond closure profiles 210, 213. For example, as described above, theslide channels 266, 267 include contoured inner surfaces 266 a, 267 athat are sized and configured to engage the flange members 204, 216. By“engage,” it is meant that the configuration of the slide channels 266,269 deflect the flange members 204, 216 such that the closure members206, 218 disengage. Specifically, the angling or jutting portion 266 bpushes downwards on the flange member 204. In so doing, the firstclosure member 206 is correspondingly deflected upwards. Similarly, theangling or jutting portion 267 b pushes upwards on the flange member216. In so doing, the second closure member 218 is correspondinglydeflected downwards. As a result, the first and second closure members206, 218 disengage and may be pulled apart from one another to open theresealable package.

[0069] In one embodiment, the sidewalls 258, 259 are tapered. By“tapered,” it is meant that the distance separating the slide channels258, 259 decreases from the front end 255 of the slider device 250 tothe second end 256 of the slider device 250. Accordingly, when theslider device 250 is moved along the resealable closure mechanism 200,the sidewalls at the second end 256 of the slider device 250 push thefirst and second closure profiles 201, 213 into engagement allowing thefirst and second closure members 206, 218 to interlock. Conversely, thesidewalls 258, 259 at the first end 255 of the slider device 250 tend topull the first and second closure profiles 201, 213 apart.

[0070] Preferably, the housing 252 includes a system for permitting thehousing 252 to slide along the resealable closure mechanism 200 withoutbecoming disengaged from the resealable package. In the embodimentillustrated, the system of the slider housing 252 engages or interlockswith certain structure of the resealable closure mechanism 200. Inparticular, the housing 252 has a first and a second hook construction265, 266. The first hook construction 265, preferably extends from thefirst sidewall 258 and the second hook construction 266 extends from thesecond sidewall 259. Accordingly, the first and second hook construction265, 266 aid in separating the first and second closure profiles 201,213 when the slider device 250 is moved along the resealable closuremechanism 200 in a second direction.

[0071] In operation, the slider device 250 is slid relative to theresealable closure mechanism 200 from the opened position adjacent tothe side edge 122 to the closed position adjacent to the side edge 120.As the slider device 250 is moved from the opened position to the closedposition, the slide channels 266, 267 slidably communicate with andreceive the flange members 204, 216. For example, the slide channel 266slidably communicates with and receives the flange member 204 allowingit remain in its natural, unbiased configuration as described above.Similarly, the slide channel 267 slidably communicates with and receivesthe flange member 216 allowing it to remain in its natural, unbiasedconfiguration as described above. Furthermore, as discussed above, thesidewalls 258, 259 are tapered. Thus, as the slider device 250 is movedfrom the opened position to the closed position, the sidewalls 258, 259at the first end 255 of the slider device 250 push or urge the first andsecond closure profiles 201, 213 into engagement. As a result, the firstand second closure members 206, 218 are allowed to interlock.

[0072] Conversely, the slider device 250 may be slid relative to theresealable closure mechanism 200 from the closed position to the openedposition. As the slider device 250 is moved from the closed position tothe opened position, the slide channels 266, 267 slidably communicatewith and engage the flange members 204, 216. For example, the slidechannel 266 slidably communicates with and pushes downward on the firstflange member 204, thereby causing the first closure member 206 to moveupwards and away from the second closure member 218. Similarly, theslide channel 267 slidably communicates with and engages the secondflange member 216, thereby causing the second closure member to movedownwards and away from the first closure member 206. Accordingly, thefirst and second closure profiles 201, 213 disengage and allow access tothe interior of the package. Furthermore, as discussed above, thesidewalls 258, 259 are tapered. Thus, as the slider device 250 is movedfrom the closed position to the opened position, the first and secondhook construction 265, 266 of the slider device 250 engage the first andsecond shoulders 212, 226 of the first and second closure profiles 201,213. In so doing, the first and second hook construction 265, 266 aid inseparating the first and second closure profiles 201, 213 when theslider device 250 is moved along the resealable closure mechanism 200from the closed position to the opened position.

[0073] The above specification and examples are believed to provide acomplete description of the manufacture and use of particularembodiments of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible package comprising: (a) a packagesurrounding wall having a mouth providing access to a package interior;(b) a resealable closure mechanism along said mouth for selectiveclosing and opening of said mouth; said resealable closure mechanismincluding first and second closure profiles; (i) said first closureprofile including: a first upper flange; a first closure member having afirst catch; said first catch having an upper latching portion and alower latching portion; and a locking finger extending from said firstupper flange; (ii) said second closure profile including: a secondclosure member having a second catch; and (iii) said first and secondclosure profiles being constructed and arranged to interlock; and (c) aslider device operably mounted on said resealable closure mechanism forselectively closing and opening said resealable closure mechanism bymoving said slider device relative to said resealable closure mechanismin opposite first and second directions; said slider device including:(i) a top wall; said top wall having first and second opposite ends; and(ii) an engagement structure depending from and integral with said topwall; said engagement structure being constructed and arranged to engagesaid locking finger such that said lower latching portion of said firstcatch interlocks with said second catch of said second closure memberwhen said slider device is selectively moved along said resealableclosure mechanism in said first direction.
 2. The flexible packageaccording to claim 1, wherein: (a) said engagement structure isconstructed and arranged to engage said locking finger such that saidlower latching portion of said first closure member disengages from saidsecond catch of said second closure member when said slider device isselectively moved along said resealable closure mechanism in said seconddirection.
 3. The flexible package according to claim 1, wherein saidengagement structure includes: (a) a first protrusion depending from andintegral with said first end of said top wall; said first protrusiondepending from said top wall substantially near the center of said topwall; said first protrusion being constructed and arranged for engagingand interlocking said closure members when said slider device isoperably mounted on said resealable package and moved in said firstdirection; and (b) a second protrusion depending from and being integralwith said second end of said top wall; said second protrusion beingconstructed and arranged to engage said locking finger such that saidlower latching portion of said first closure member disengages from saidsecond catch of said second closure member when said slider device isselectively moved along said resealable closure mechanism in said seconddirection.
 4. The flexible package according to claim 3, wherein: (a)said locking finger has a distal end and a proximal end; said proximalend being attached to said first upper flange; (b) said secondprotrusion being constructed and arranged to engage said locking fingersubstantially near the proximal end of the locking finger.
 5. Theflexible package according to claim 1, wherein: (a) said locking fingeris constructed and arranged to engage and interlock with said upperlatching portion of said first catch when said first protrusion engagessaid locking finger.
 6. A reclosable closure mechanism, comprising: (a)a first closure profile; said first closure profile having a first upperflange; a first closure member having a first catch; a locking fingerextending from said first upper flange; (i) said locking finger beingconstructed and arranged for engaging and interlocking with said firstcatch; (b) a second closure profile; said second closure profile havinga second catch; (i) said first and second closure profiles beingconstructed and arranged to interlock; and (c) a slider device operablymounted on said first and second closure profiles for selectivelyclosing and opening said resealable closure mechanism by moving saidslider device relative to said resealable closure mechanism in oppositefirst and second directions; said slider device including: (i) a topwall; said top wall having first and second opposite ends; (ii) anengagement structure depending from and integral with said top wall;said engagement structure being constructed and arranged to engage saidlocking finger such that said lower latching portion of said first catchinterlocks with said second catch of said second closure member whensaid slider device is selectively moved along said resealable closuremechanism in said first direction.
 7. The reclosable closure mechanismaccording to claim 6, wherein: (a) said engagement structure isconstructed and arranged to engage said locking finger such that saidlower latching portion of said first closure member disengages from saidsecond catch of said second closure member when said slider device isselectively moved along said resealable closure mechanism in said seconddirection.
 8. The reclosable closure mechanism according to claim 6,wherein said engagement structure includes: (a) a first protrusiondepending from and integral with said first end of said top wall; saidfirst protrusion depending from said top wall substantially near thecenter of said top wall; said first protrusion being constructed andarranged for engaging and interlocking said closure members when saidslider device is operably mounted on said resealable package and movedin said first direction; and (b) a second protrusion depending from andbeing integral with said second end of said top wall; said secondprotrusion being constructed and arranged to engage said locking fingersuch that said lower latching portion of said first closure memberdisengages from said second catch of said second closure member whensaid slider device is selectively moved along said resealable closuremechanism in said second direction.
 9. The reclosable closure mechanismaccording to claim 6, said first catch having: (a) an upper latchingportion and a lower latching portion; (i) said locking finger beingconstructed and arranged for engaging and interlocking with said upperlatching portion of said first catch when said first protrusion engagessaid locking finger.
 10. The reclosable closure mechanism according toclaim 6, wherein: (a) said locking finger having a distal end and aproximal end; said proximal end being attached to said first upperflange; (b) said second protrusion being constructed and arranged toengage said locking finger substantially near the proximal end of thelocking finger.
 11. A flexible package comprising: (a) a packagesurrounding wall having a mouth providing access to a package interior;(b) a resealable closure mechanism along said mouth for selectiveclosing and opening of said mouth; said resealable closure mechanismincluding first and second closure profiles; (i) said first closureprofile including: a first closure member; and a first flange membercantilevered from said first closure profile opposite said first closuremember; (ii) said second closure profile including: a second closuremember; and a second flange member cantilevered from said second closureprofile opposite said second closure member; and (c) a slider deviceoperably mounted on said resealable closure mechanism for selectivelyclosing and opening said resealable closure mechanism by moving saidslider device relative to said resealable closure mechanism in oppositefirst and second directions; said slider device including: (i) a topwall; (ii) a first sidewall depending from said top wall; said firstsidewall having first and second opposite ends; said first sidewalldefining a first slide channel for receiving said first flange membercantilevered from said first closure profile; said first slide channelhaving a first guide construction for accommodating said first flangemember; (iii) a second sidewall depending from said top wall; saidsecond sidewall having first and second opposite ends; said secondsidewall defining a second slide channel for receiving said secondflange member cantilevered from said second closure profile; said secondslide channel having a second guide construction for accommodating saidsecond flange member; (iv) said first and second closure profiles beingconstructed and arranged to interlock when said slider device is movedin said first direction.
 12. The flexible package of claim 11, wherein:(a) said first slide channel is constructed and arranged to engage saidfirst flange member when said slider device is moved in said seconddirection; and (b) said second slide channel is constructed and arrangedto engage said second flange member when said slider device is moved insaid second direction; (i) said first and second closure profiles beingconstructed and arranged to disengage when said slider device is movedin said second direction.
 13. The flexible package according to claim12, wherein: (a) said first slide channel has a first contoured innersurface; said first contoured inner surface being constructed andarranged to engage said first flange member when said slider device ismoved in said second direction; and (b) said second slide channel has asecond contoured inner surface; said second contoured inner surfacebeing constructed and arranged to engage said second flange member whensaid slider device is moved in said second direction.
 14. The flexiblepackage according to claim 13, wherein: (a) said first contoured innersurface includes a first protrusion located substantially near saidfirst end of said first sidewall; said first protrusion beingconstructed and arranged to engage said first flange member when saidslider device is moved in said second direction; and (b) said secondcontoured inner surface includes a second protrusion locatedsubstantially near said first end of said second sidewall; said secondprotrusion being constructed and arranged to engage said second flangemember when said slider device is moved in a second direction.
 15. Theflexible package of claim 11, wherein: (a) said first closure furtherincludes: a first guidepost; a first sealing flange; a first catchintegral with said first closure member; and a first shoulder; (i) saidfirst shoulder being between said first guidepost and said first sealingflange; (b) said second closure profile includes: a second guidepost; asecond sealing flange; a second catch integral with said second closuremember; and a second shoulder; (i) said second shoulder being betweensaid second guidepost and said second sealing flange; (ii) said firstand second catches being constructed and arranged for selectiveinterlocking; (c) said first sidewall is constructed and arranged toslidably engage said first shoulder when said slider device is movedalong said resealable closure mechanism; and (d) said second sidewall isconstructed and arranged to slidably engage said second shoulder whensaid slider device is moved along said resealable closure mechanism. 16.The flexible package according to claim 15, wherein: (a) said first andsecond sidewalls are tapered such that said first and second closureprofiles are biased into engagement when said slider device is moved insaid first direction.
 17. The flexible package according to claim 15,wherein: (a) said first and second sidewalls are tapered such that saidfirst and second closure profiles are separated when said slider deviceis moved in said second direction.
 18. The flexible package according toclaim 15, wherein: (a) said first sidewall has a hook construction toslidably cover and engage said first shoulder when said slider device ismoved in a second direction; and (b) said second sidewall has a secondhook construction to slidably cover and engage said second shoulder whensaid slider device is moved in a second direction.
 19. A reclosableclosure mechanism comprising: (a) a first closure profile having: afirst closure member; and a first flange member cantilevered from saidfirst closure profile opposite said first closure member; (b) a secondclosure profile having: a second closure member; and a second flangemember cantilevered from said second closure profile opposite saidsecond closure member; and (c) a slider device operably mounted on saidfirst and second closure profiles for selectively closing and openingsaid reclosable closure mechanism by moving said slider device relativeto said reclosable closure mechanism in opposite first and seconddirections; said slider device including: (i) a top wall; (ii) a firstsidewall depending from said top wall; said first sidewall having firstand second opposite ends; said first sidewall defining a first slidechannel for receiving said first flange member cantilevered from saidfirst closure profile; said first slide channel having a first guideconstruction for accommodating said first flange member; (iii) a secondsidewall depending from said top wall; said second sidewall having firstand second opposite ends; said second sidewall defining a second slidechannel for receiving said second flange member cantilevered from saidsecond closure profile; said second slide channel having a second guideconstruction for accommodating said second flange member; (iv) saidfirst and second closure profiles being constructed and arranged tointerlock when said slider device is moved in said first direction. 20.The reclosable closure mechanism of claim 19, wherein: (a) said firstslide channel is constructed and arranged to engage said first flangemember when said slider device is moved in said second direction; and(b) said second slide channel further being constructed and arranged toengage said second flange member when said slider device is moved insaid second direction; (i) said first and second closure profiles beingconstructed and arranged to disengage when said slider device is movedin said second direction.
 21. The reclosable closure mechanism of claim20, wherein: (a) said first slide channel has a first contoured innersurface; said first contoured inner surface being constructed andarranged to engage said first flange member when said slider device ismoved in said second direction; and (b) said second slide channel has asecond contoured inner surface; said second contoured inner surfacebeing constructed and arranged to engage said second flange member whensaid slider device is moved in said second direction.
 22. The reclosableclosure mechanism according to claim 21, wherein: (a) said firstcontoured inner surface includes a first protrusion locatedsubstantially near said first end of said first sidewall; said firstprotrusion being constructed and arranged to engage said first flangemember when said slider device is moved in said second direction; and(b) said second contoured inner surface includes a second protrusionlocated substantially near said first end of said second sidewall; saidsecond protrusion being constructed and arranged to engage said secondflange member when said slider device is moved in a second direction.23. The reclosable closure mechanism of claim 19, wherein: (a) saidfirst closure profile further includes: a first guidepost; a firstsealing flange; a first catch integral with said first closure member;and a first shoulder; (i) said first shoulder being between said firstguidepost and said first sealing flange; (b) said second closure profilefurther includes: a second guidepost; a second sealing flange; a secondcatch integral with said second closure member; and a second shoulder;(i) said second shoulder being between said second guidepost and saidsecond sealing flange; (ii) said first and second catches beingconstructed and arranged for selective interlocking; (c) said firstsidewall is constructed and arranged to slidably engage said firstshoulder when said slider device is moved along said resealable closuremechanism; and (d) said second sidewall is constructed and arranged toslidably engage said second shoulder when said slider device is movedalong said resealable closure mechanism.